This week sees the return of the Leyton Orient supporters association’s Piglet beer festival, a 30 beer and 4 cider/perry affair. As they have helpfully sent me their beer menu in advance, it can be found here. The festival opens at 5pm on Thursday 8th November.

The Leyton Technical is one of Antic Pub Co‘s latest ventures in East London. A “pop up” pub in a disused corner of Leyton’s municipal offices, it opened just in time for the opening ceremony. With a brief gap between the games letting me off the shift working, I managed to nip in an Friday 17th and take a look.

This weekend saw Brodies bring out a Ginger Beer at the William IV. As I happened to need to pass though, I thought it was worth popping in and giving it a go.

Verdict – you could very much taste root ginger. It’s quite a light drink with the bitterness being noticably ‘hoppy’, not really knowing, I’d guess towards the Amerilla variety. Very fresh and tasty – I’d say probably more of a spring / summer drink actually, I think it could be a great refresher for a hot summers day!

As the cask went on today (05/02/2011), I’d say it will still be around tomorrow and maybe Monday. £2/pint.

Thursday and Friday last week saw the 11th Piglet beer festival at the Leyton Orient Supporters bar. The Orient is well known for it’s real ale, serving 4-5 different beers on match days and being able to keep a quality pint. Piglet sees the range extended with the addition of a second bar and 25-30 beers on offer. Unlike many CAMRA festivals, it’s free entry for all and you don’t need to buy a glass. Price per pint is a very reasonable £2.60 (or £1.30 for a half) as well!

The Orient also has a tradition of providing some proper pub grub – pickled onions and sandwiches which were enjoyed by everyone that got their mitts on one!

Jon is ready for a snack

About the beers… I ended up having 5 half pints as number 4 was quickly abandoned after the first couple of sips!

Yes! I have finally made it back to East London entries… though there are still a few ‘on tour’ entries to come…

Leyton Orient Supporter's Association

Leyton Orient may not be that great at football, but they do know a thing or two about beer. The supporter’s association has a bar in the main stand of the Brisbane road ground in Leyton, E10. On Thursday last week I headed down to see them be presented with yet another certificate for good beer!

Leyton Orient win a certificate - CAMRA 'club of the year 2010'

Beer-wise, it’s excellent. Around £2.50 a pint, always served in excellent condition. The bar is open on Thursday evenings before a home game as well as before and after a home game – though on match days beware you might not get in if it’s busy and you don’t hold a supporters association membership!